Poppies available in honor of veterans
COSHOCTON – On May 3, Coshocton Mayor Steve Mercer received his red poppies from American Legion Auxiliary President Jessica Stanton and Chaplain Char Crawford and issued a proclamation naming May as Red Poppy Month in Coshocton.
In the spring of 1919, amidst complete devastation, red poppies grew wild and bloomed in abundance on the battlefields of France where so many of our soldiers had fallen in battle amid the ravages of war. In 1921 the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the red poppy as their memorial flower in honor of the men and women who served and died for our country. The red poppy is a symbol of the price of war, including the current war on terror, and is worn to honor past and current American service members in appreciation for their sacrifices of life and health to preserve freedom.
The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who actually handcraft more than 25 million memorial poppies each year. The poppy provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to these veterans, as well as benefiting thousands of other veterans and their families, by the revenue collected from poppy distributions. All contributions are devoted entirely to rehabilitation and child welfare work for our veterans and their families.
The public is asked to pay tribute to our veterans by recognizing their sacrifices and continuing needs and making a donation to the local poppy fund and receiving a red poppy. Wear a red poppy in memory of the fallen and to honor those who have fought for our freedom. American Legion volunteers will be distributing red poppies on Friday, May 26, at Baker’s IGA and Walmart. Poppies may also be obtained from the American Legion Post 65 at 652 Main Street in Coshocton.
Category: Government
